Parkside Psychological Services

02/14/2026

We've been hearing a lot lately about Valentine’s Day blues. By recognizing the psychological factors at play surrounding this holiday, you can take proactive steps to navigate this emotionally charged holiday.

Here’s why Valentine’s Day can take a toll on our mental health.

02/11/2026

Although many of us try to stay cozy indoors during the winter, there's some surprising new evidence that getting outdoors can be a boost to your mental health and body image.

An added bonus: You can still reap the benefits if you walk with a friend.

02/04/2026

Societal division, loneliness, and unease about the future top the 2025 Stress in America study. More than half of those polled cited feeling left out and isolated as one of their major stressors.

What stressed you out most in 2025? How are you handling stress in 2026?

Survey suggests that years of societal division may be taking a toll and beyond this concern about societal division lies a deeper, more pervasive emotional strain: loneliness.

01/22/2026

If there was a cost-free, no-calorie, easy-to-find way to boost your performance, would you be interested in adding it to your daily routine?

What if that extra boost came from dropping a swear word into your conversation once in awhile? According to new research, that may be just the key you need.

Research shows that swearing can boost physical performance by reducing inhibition and increasing focus, confidence, and endurance.

01/21/2026

Exciting news! In addition to Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare, Parkside Psychological Services is now in-network with United Healthcare/Optum.

We are excited to be able to serve a wider variety of clients through this new partnership.

11/26/2025

Are you really getting a deal or is it just the thrill of the hunt? Dropping this here in advance of Black Friday.

Discover the psychology behind Black Friday deals and learn how to shop smart, avoid impulse buys, and outsmart retail tricks designed to make you overspend.

11/24/2025

Recent research has pointed to gratitude's myriad positive health effects, including greater emotional and social well-being, better sleep quality, lower depression risks, and favorable markers of cardiovascular health. Now, new data from the long-term Nurses' Health Study shows that it may extend lives.

Gratitude has the power to boost well-being, improve sleep, lessen depression, and help heart health. Now new data from the long-term Nurses' Health Study shows that it may extend lives. How can yo...

11/21/2025

This is the time of year when our thoughts shift to gratitude.... here's a great primer on how you can incorporate gratitude and get your steps in on the way!

Science shows that practicing gratitude boosts mood, improves sleep and eases stress and anxiety. Here's how to make it a daily habit while walking this month.

11/18/2025

There's no need to duck and cover when your Uncle Harry walks through the door this holiday season. Here are some tips on how you can tactfully handle the over-talker in your life (and maybe get a word in yourself!).

Personal Perspective: Most of us know how it feels to be on the receiving end of someone over-talking. Here are some tactics for taking care of yourself in these situations.

11/12/2025

As we gear up for the holiday season, we know that family gatherings can sometimes be anxiety provoking. It is important to honor your boundaries. Here is some advice you might want to use as you pull up your chair for Thanksgiving dinner.

The holidays can be triggering because being around family can be hard. Here are 5 steps to setting boundaries with family during the holidays.

11/11/2025

Can ChatGPT help when it comes to mental health? According to new research, most info obtained from chatbots is not only incorrect, it could possibly be dangerous.

Can you imagine someone in a mental health crisis—instead of calling a helpline—typing their desperate thoughts into an app window? This is happening more and more often in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. For many young people, a chatbot becomes the first confidant of emotions that...

11/06/2025

This one is for the Swifties.... If it feels like you are as excited for Taylor and Travis as you would be if your best friend just got engaged, you are not alone. And there's a psychological reason for it!

Assistant Psychology Professor Melanie Maimon, Ph.D., whose expertise is in social psychology, explains that the rising prominence of media has increased the prevalence of parasocial relationships, and that social media in particular has exacerbated parasocial bonds’ strength and relevance.